SooToday received the following letter from Ontario Federation of Labour President Laura Walton, in regards to MPP Chris Scott:
The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) represents 54 affiliated unions and a million workers in our province. On behalf of the OFL, I urge Chris Scott to immediately step down as Member of Provincial Parliament.
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and domestic violence causes untold personal harm and shakes the foundations of our communities. The people of Sault Ste. Marie understand this issue deeply. Over 100 municipalities, including Sault Ste. Marie, have already declared IPV an epidemic - as has the local police board - in an effort to raise awareness and facilitate meaningful upstream investments designed to support social and economic foundations all working families rely upon.
Doug Ford himself said he has “zero tolerance” for domestic violence, yet his Conservatives recently struck down an NDP opposition bill to enshrine legislation that would answer the calls of survivors who demand a higher level of responsiveness to this important issue that impacts far too many of us.
While Ford’s Conservatives immediately removed Scott from caucus, let’s not forget that it was Ford’s governing party that parachuted Scott into the riding in the first place. Ford recognizes Scott is unfit for caucus, yet he lacks the political courage to call for Scott’s resignation.
Enough already – we are done waiting.
Silence on this issue does nothing to eliminate domestic violence. Instead, addressing domestic violence in our communities requires an all hands-on deck approach, championed by local leaders, including sitting public officials whose actions and voices should be characterized by accountability, trust, and meaningful advocacy work.
Scott is no longer able to fulfill that role. It is time for him to step aside so Sault Ste. Marie has an MPP who is ready to lead and won’t cause further harm to the community, or shame to the position they hold.
The OFL supports the multiple calls for Scott’s resignation so Sault Ste. Marie can move forward and elect an MPP dedicated to the urgency this issue demands and survivors deserve.
Laura Walton,
President,
Ontario Federation of Labour